LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim July 22, 2014, as Fragile X Awareness Day in the State of New
York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official
days that are set aside to increase awareness of serious illnesses that
affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorial-
ize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim July 22, 2014, as Fragile X
Awareness Day in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Fragile X-associated Disorders (FXD) is a family of genetic
conditions that can affect individuals in a variety of ways; the condi-
tions are all caused by changes in the FMR gene; and
WHEREAS, Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is the most common cause of inher-
ited intellectual disability and the most common known genetic cause of
autism or autism spectrum disorders, affecting people of every race,
income level and nationality; and
WHEREAS, Fragile X-associated Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome (FXTAS) is an
adult-onset condition, occurring more commonly in males than females,
that causes tremors and affects balance and memory in some "carriers" of
the Fragile X gene and is often mistaken for Parkinson's, Alzheimer's,
and other conditions; and
WHEREAS, Fragile X-associated Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (FXPOI) is
a condition of decreased ovarian function that can lead to reduced
fertility or infertility, irregular or absent menstrual periods, and
early menopause in some female "carriers" of the Fragile X gene; and
WHEREAS, Over one-million Americans carry (are carriers of) a Fragile
X mutation and thus have, or are at risk for developing, a Fragile X-as-
sociated Disorder (FXD), and over 100,000 Americans have Fragile X
Syndrome; and
WHEREAS, Fragile X remains frequently undetected due to its recent
discovery and the lack of awareness about the syndrome, even within the
medical community; and
WHEREAS, The genetic defect causing Fragile X has been discovered and
is easily identified by DNA testing; and
WHEREAS, Fragile X is a powerful research model for neuropsychiatric
disorders, such as autism, schizophrenia, pervasive developmental disor-
ders and other conditions including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, reproduc-
tive problems in women and other medical conditions that may have a
genetic basis; and
WHEREAS, With concerted research efforts, a cure for Fragile X
Syndrome and associated disorders may be developed; and
WHEREAS, Fragile X research, both basic and applied, has been vastly
underfunded despite the prevalence of the disorder, the potential for
development of a cure, the established benefits of available treatments
and intervention, and the significance that Fragile X research has for
related disorders; and
WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater public awareness of
this serious health issue, and more must be done to increase activity at
the local, State and national levels; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim July 22, 2014, as Frag-
ile X Awareness Day in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.